Religious Studies RELIGIOUS STUDIES OCR Specification 4. Challenges to Religious Belief

Religious Studies The problem of evil Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: the problem of evil: the classic theodicies of Augustine and Irenaeus the nature of the problem of evil, and the possible differences between natural and moral evil how each theodicy understands the responsibility or otherwise of God for the existence of evil in the world the origins of evil, and the role of human free will. Candidates should be able to discuss critically these approaches and their strengths and weaknesses.

Religious Studies Religion and science Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific and philosophical views on the creation of the universe, particularly the debate between Creationism and the Big Bang theory Darwinism and various developments of evolutionary theory, particularly ‘Intelligent Design’ and ‘Irreducible Complexity’ Religious responses to challenges posed by scientific views. Candidates should be able to discuss critically these views and their strengths and weaknesses.